Ames test


noun

a test that exposes a strain of bacteria to a chemical compound in order to determine the mutagenic potential of the compound.

Origin of Ames test

1975–80; after U.S. biochemist Bruce N. Ames (born 1928), who developed the test

British Dictionary definitions for ames test

Ames test
/ (eɪmz) /

noun

a method of preliminary screening for carcinogens, based on their ability to cause mutations in bacteria

Word Origin for Ames test

named after Bruce Ames (born 1928), US biochemist who invented the test

Medical definitions for ames test

Ames test

n.

A test in which strains of Salmonella that are unable to synthesize histidine are introduced into a test substance lacking in histidine. If the strains then regain the ability to synthesize histidine, the substance is considered mutagenic and thus carcinogenic.